Minimum wage hike passes in the House
by Hanlon on January 10, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Another victory, says I. So the Democratic-led House passed another great piece of legislation, raising the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25, marking the first increase in roughly 10 years. Naturally, Republicans whine…
Some Republican lawmakers cited studies that show an increase in the minimum wage would drive more than 1 million people out of work.
“Any minimum wage increase will significantly affect the bottom line,” said Bruce Josten of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of the nation’s leading business groups.
But then reality comes and whacks them around some.
But Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s biggest retailer, reiterated its support for an increase, saying it would help working families.
Democrats pointed to studies that show a modest increase would cause no significant job loss. They have also noted a survey that found most small businesses believe it would not hurt them. Most already pay above the minimum wage.
The really surprising thing, though is that it passed 315-116. That’s more than a 2-1 passage (actually a 2.71-1 if you want to get picky). Now we have another case where a bill that couldn’t pass with the Republican majority suddenly has overwhelming support when there’s a Democratic majority. Given that around 30 House seats switched sides, straight math means that a whole lot of Republicans switched their vote on this.
So once again, my thesis that a lot of Republicans only voted with the party simply because they were kowtowing to the majority. We’re going to see a lot of bills pass overwhelmingly that had previously been slimly opposed, which only tells me that the country is far more liberal than the right would like you to know.
Posted: January 10th, 2007 under Congress, money.
Comments
Comment from Hanlon
Time January 10, 2007 at 11:56 pm
I thought I’d read about that, though I was unable to find the specific resource. I can’t imagine it would result in job loss for the most part, since the majority of businesses paying minimum wage do so because they absolutely need the help and need to get it on the cheap, so while the local 7-11 might save money by scrapping an employee they’re not shorthanded which is an even worse situation.
The condition, well, that’s just to be expected. Anywhere tax breaks for people who don’t need them can be bantered about they certainly will be. I really do often wonder what would happen if, for example, campaign money were capped and election coverage was limited to appearances on, say, C-SPAN. If the republicans don’t need to pander to Big Business for various contributions, would they continue to do so?
Pingback from House Dems following through! » Hanlon’s Razor
Time January 18, 2007 at 2:48 pm
[...] raise the federal minimum wage. It passed Jan. 10. [...]
Comment from Wil Robinson
Time January 10, 2007 at 8:15 pm
There was a 1994 study that showed an minimum wage increase in New Jersey - also touted as the doomsday of their time and one that would result in millions of job losses - actually didn’t result in a single job loss.
The tactics of fear don’t just work to allow a dillusional foreign policy to be implemented - it can also be used to forward a big-business pro-capitalist agenda.
Did you notice Bush’s “condition” for the bill? (hint, it’s tax breaks for some)